Spanish champions Real Madrid and City are ready to prise Van Persie from Arsenal

But
City’s valuation of him is far below the figure that would force the
Gunners to even consider cashing in on their prized asset. Entering the
final season of his contract and approaching his 29th birthday at the
start of August, City chiefs believe Van Persie’s market value is
roughly £20m.

There are also concerns that he
could be burnt out by the start of next term, as he will push his
season’s tally towards 60 matches at the summer’s European Championship.

City are also factoring in that on top of a
fee, they would have to hand Van Persie a four-year contract worth
about £200,000 a week.

But any bid of around
the £20m mark would be rejected by Arsenal, who are growing increasingly
hopeful of hanging on to the striker – especially if they can secure an automatic place in the Champions League.

The Gunners will offer Van Persie a new £120,000-a-week contract along with a signing-on fee and a £5m loyalty bonus. But, unlike Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas last year, he is not set to put the club under any pressure to sell.

If he cannot agree a new deal at the Emirates, it is understood the striker would not object to entering the final season of his contract.

Boss Arsene Wenger has promised he will not allow Van Persie to follow Nasri to City and also dropped hints that, if need be, Arsenal are prepared to hold their captain to his present deal, even if that means risking losing him for nothing in 12 months’ time.

Arsenal's Robin van Persie celebrates his second goal against Norwich with Theo Walcott

City would have to offer over £30m to force the Gunners into a rethink, and the size of Madrid’s bid would largely depend on how much they can get for Gonzalo Higuain.

But Real would also have to convince Van Persie to leave England, where his family are known to be very happy.